Many people refer to those of origin or residing in Greece as “the Greeks”. It is a common mistake, as those within the country do not identify or refer to themselves as “Greek”, rather, Hellenic. In fact, the true name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic. One might have encountered the word “Hellas” when glancing around Greek grocery stores, sports jerseys, music/radio, and other areas. This word is the english way of writing Ελλαδα, or Hellas. There is more to why the name is best said as Hellenic, Hellenic Republic, or Hellas, rather than Greece. These reasons are due to political, historical, and cultural events/practices that shaped the country to what is it today.
In mythology, in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a great flood, similar to the story of Noah and the Ark, destroyed civilization, leaving two survivors. Deucalion and Pyrrha (characters in story). Both survivors went back to the destroyed land, or Greece in the story, in order to repopulate the area. One of the children of the couple was named Hellen/Hellinas. As Hellinas became an adult, he conquered many areas and named these territories Hellas, with those captured being the Hellenes.
Where the name Greece originates from is from the Turkish conflict that lasted until 1821. Those who were taken over by Hellinas the ruler in his territories, were referred to Graceus, and came from a place called Graecia. Graecia was where what is known as “the Greeks” place of origin. Now, the name “Greece” derives from generations of passing on and changes to the name, “Graecia” amongst foreign nations. Some of the northern European countries, and Germany, happen to refer to the Greeks by their true name of Hellas, or the Hellenic Republic.
The Hellenic Republic refers to a political system established by the Hellenic People. A republic, is when people elect a supreme leader, or in Greece’s case, Prime Minister. Thus, Hellenic (People of Greece) and the Republic format of their ruling structure makes them the Hellenic Republic.
Generally speaking, Greeks do not mind being referred to as Greeks or Hellenes, in fact most do not seem to be fazed by the interchanging of terms. What will bother the Greeks is any ignorant comments regarding if they believe in mythology in modern times, insults regarding stereotypes in their culture, rude behavior, amongst other disrespectful behavior conducted by foreigners in their land. If one respects the Greeks, they will respect you. Upon visiting Greece, share your knowledge with a local on research you have done about their history and say “Μου αρεσει στην Ελλαδα”, or “I like it in Greece”. Enjoy your Holidays and Happy New Years!
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